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Does fish emulsion go bad?

10 years ago

Found a bottle shoved to the back while cleaning out the garage. Probably two to three years old. Didn't see an expiration date and its never been opened. Does this type of product go bad?

Thanks!

Featured Answer

nippstress - zone 5 Nebraska

10 years ago

I'm with you, Seil - when I read this post title I had images of tiny fish with dark glasses and machine guns going "bad" (like the Far Side cartoon of "Condiments gone bad").

Otherwise, I think fish emulsion is like compost - it can't rot enough to be bad for your garden, but do shake it up to distribute the material that sinks to the bottom of the bottle.

Cynthia

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Comments (12)

michaelg
10 years ago
It was already rotted when you bought it. The same nutrients are still in the bottle.
anntn6b
10 years ago
Don't open it indoors, but otherwise, outside, it's still good.
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Rhizo, why I wouldn’t necessarily follow the mfg’s directions is a fair question. For one thing, I’d overlooked the warning, so had been doing it contrary to those directions, storing for a limited time, without apparent problems, emphasis on “apparent.” And, too, I’m happier to follow a general direction like this when I know why I'm doing it; as much as anything it was a matter of curiosity. I appreciate all the responses here. Kimmq's reference to phosphoric acid (which would adjust the pH) was on point, I think. In any case, let me add the response I received from Neptune’s Harvest, which may be of interest to those following this thread: ***We stabilize the Fish to a pH of 3.5 to keep it from rotting and going bad. Once you add water the pH goes up, and if you don’t use it right up it will be begin to rot. It will work fine, but it will stink to high heaven. I like to put it this way. How long would you leave a piece of fish on your kitchen table before cooking it? That is the same amount of time you can leave the Fish diluted, without stinking you out.*** My takeaway: Stored diluted emulsion will work fine, but will in short order begin to stink. Also, products sold as pre-diluted will presumably have their pH adjusted accordingly. Gary
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seil zone 6b MI
10 years ago
How on earth would you know if it was no good? Does it smell better when it goes bad, lol?
marquest
10 years ago
It is probably better. Because it takes so little it usually takes me 2 to 3 yrs to use it up. It is still working good.
prairielaura
10 years ago
I'm with Seil...how could you tell??
michaelg
10 years ago
Massaging fish emulsion into your scalp adds body and brilliance to your hair. Plus, it's all natural and packed with Omega 3 goodness! Recommended by Howard Garrett!
jim1961 / Central Pennsylvania / Zone 6
10 years ago
Dude you smell like dead fish...lol
But no more split-ends...

Imagine an aged alfalfa tea scalp wash... yeeeee
Tuggy3
10 years ago
That sounds like something Howard Garrett might say. His theories used to make Field Roebuck sooo mad.

I'll go out on a limb here and say fish emulsion doesn't go bad. I did dilute down a jug because it kind of thickened up after a few years and I thought it might be a little too concentrated. Mary
diane_nj 6b/7a
10 years ago
Thanks everyone, I needed this laugh today!

No, it does get thick like Tuggy3 said, I also just dilute and keep moving.
lainey2 VA
10 years ago
Fish emulsion is born bad.
Kippy
10 years ago
I was reading about using fish emulsion as some kind of "cide" on citrus trees. I have a bunch to do and hope to use the hose end sprayer to "fish wash" the trees.

I know the dogs, cats, etc will LOVE me when I am done....Wonder how many showers it will take to remove the scent?

And yes.....would you know if it was "bad" and not just bad....

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